Up Up and Away

Hot Air Balloon Proposal Story

So all of that anticipation leading up to when the engagement was actually going to happen, and here it is!

The week leading up to November 14th, about two months after we had gone to Syracuse to visit my family, Mr. Ice Cream Sundae said, “Hey, let’s go on a hot air balloon ride!” I instantly had chills. Not only was this an absolutely wonderful idea, but it was also something that we had on our bucket list. I was so excited!

Fast forward to the night before. I ran around the apartment and packed several different outfits in case the weather did not cooperate, and also because I was having difficulty choosing between anything in my closet. I swear, by the time I was finished you would’ve thought we were going on a mini vacation. We had to stay overnight in a hotel that was close to the balloon site because it was a very early morning flight and the site was about two hours away. By the time we made it to the hotel that night, we were so exhausted and passed out immediately upon arrival. The morning of I woke up bright and early and started getting ready. Two hours later, I was dragging Mr. Sundae out of the room toward the car. Thankfully, the pick-up for the balloon was at a local coffee shop, so we made that our first stop.

Upon arriving at the site, we saw that there were about 14 other people waiting for the same balloon. This was not exactly the romantic balloon ride that I had pictured, but I was still extremely excited. The balloon basket was fairly large and did end up accommodating all of us quite nicely, but we definitely did not have too much room to move around (let alone bend down on one knee). I couldn’t help but wonder if Mr. Ice Cream Sundae was going to pop the question high in the sky in front of all of those people. I secretly wished that he wouldn’t, because I was worried I’d be self-conscious and nervous! Halfway through the ride, the pilot (yeah, I didn’t know they were called that either!) told us a story of a couple that was going to get engaged, but the soon-to-be-groom lost the ring overboard! I was absolutely horrified for that poor couple, which also just solidified that I did not want the proposal to happen on the balloon.

All in all, the ride lasted about an hour, and the views were absolutely breathtaking. I’m so glad that Mr. Sundae and I got to experience such a beautiful thing together. One more item to mark off our bucket list!

Up in the air!

The balloon interior!

A silly moment with the sun in our eyes 🙂

Needless to say, the proposal did NOT happen up in the air (phew!). As we landed, Mr. Ice Cream Sundae and I noticed that it was still fairly early, and we had the whole day ahead of us still. So he suggested going to our favorite winery, Jacuzzi Vineyards. I was SO excited and couldn’t wait. I thought *for sure* this was where it was going to happen!

We arrived at the winery and did a few tastings, chose our favorite bottle and some cheese & crackers, and found a nice cozy spot outside on the grounds. I absolutely love the vineyard. It reminds me so much of Italy, it is incredible. After we enjoyed our snacks and wine, Mr. Ice Cream Sundae asked if I wanted to take a photo. Knowing that I love photography, he asked where specifically I thought a good spot to take one would be. Of course, I chose in front of the beautiful fountain. Luckily for Mr. Sundae, there was a group of girls seated nearby. While I stayed behind at our table, he went over to ask the girls for their assistance. I willingly gave him some extra time to chat just in case this was going to be the moment!

I could not believe how nervous I was! I couldn’t believe that everything I had hoped and dreamed of with the man of my dreams was happening at that moment. Or, I hoped it was. And then it happened! Mr. Ice Cream Sundae got down on one knee, made the most beautiful speech ever, and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. My answer, was undoubtedly “yes.”

The proposal in front of the beautiful fountain

Couldn’t be happier!

The “she said yes!” picture

So, hive, my dreams came true with this beautiful proposal. How did yours go? Did you know that your proposal was happening? Were you completely surprised? I can’t wait to hear all of your stories!